Gunmen die trying to place device near area of Gaza border fence regularly patrolled by soldiers

Ali Waked|Published: 09.01.09 , 21:00

Two Hamas gunmen were killed in what appears to be a malfunction of an explosive device they were attempting to place near an area of Gaza's border fence regularly patrolled by soldiers, Palestinian sources reported Tuesday.

Preliminary reports said the two were killed an Air Force strike, but the reports turned out to be false.

The IDF Spokesperson's Office said the IAF struck a smuggling tunnel Sunday. The statement said the tunnel was dug a kilometer and a half from the border fence and was intended to allow gunmen to enter Israel in order to execute attacks. No injuries were reported in the strike.

The IDF also stated that the strike had been coordinated with the Shin Bet, and that a direct hit had been identified. The statement said the strike had been retaliation for a rocket fired into Israel on Saturday.

On Monday two rocket launches towards the Gaza vicinity communities were identified from inside the Gaza Strip. On Sunday mortar shells were aimed at Sderot. No injuries or damage were reported in either case.